The Olde English Bulldogge is a well-built, powerful and even-tempered breed whose origin dates back to the 60s of XX century. Unlike its cousin the English Bulldog and other related breeds it’s characterised with more robust health as well as far less aggressive temperament. Currently it gained reputation as a sweet family companion and a capable working dog.

History

Bull-baiting was considered as a national sport in England for approximately five centuries until it was finally proclaimed illegal through the affirmation of the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835. With prohibition of this cruel entertainment the vast majority of so-called bull baiting dogs also vanished for good. The remaining breeds of Bulldogs were selectively mated with other breeds to soften their natural ferociousness and make them more biddable. One of the breed’s enthusiasts was David Leavitt of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. In 1971 he got the idea to recreate the extinct Old English Bulldog since he was strongly dissatisfied with numerous health concerns, which were typical for the modern English Bulldog.

The original goal of David Leavitt’s breeding efforts was to develop the Bulldog variety, which would share the appearance of the old bull baiting dogs but one that would be more robust and hardy than other types of Bulldogs. Subsequently he slightly broadened the focus of its breeding program and also strived for eliminating from this dog undesirable aggressive tendencies. The resulting canine received the name the Olde English Bulldogge.

The formula for the invention of this breed is ½ English Bulldog, 1/6 American Pitbull Terrier, 1/6 Bullmastiff and 1/6 American Bulldog. This dog is notable for stout constitution and stable disposition. For example, it’s isn’t prone to breathing difficulties as its forefathers. Artificial insemination and Caesarean section are also unnecessary procedures for the member of this breed since it tends to do everything naturally.

The Olde English Bulldogge has deserved international recognition fairly recently. The breed was formally accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC) on January 1, 2014. It was originally developed to become an indefatigable worker and nowadays it excels in weight pulling and therapy work. Due to its calm and trustworthy character it’s attaining more and more followers as a companion animal.

Temperament

In spite of its ferocious appearance the Olde English Bulldogge is marked by affable, obedient and calm temperament. It commonly expresses boundless devotion to its human family and tries with might and main to please its master. It’s exceptionally patient and gentle with familiar children and will make an excellent four-legged friend for them.

Unfortunately this breed has several setbacks, which may keep some people from acquiring it. It’s prone to drooling and slobbering. Furthermore this dog is also keen on chewing things. It’s highly advisable to offer it plentiful of chew toys to minimize damage to your property.

The well-socialised Olde English Bulldogge is usually accepting of strange people although it’s rather slow to make friend with them. This bold and strong dog will do anything to protect its favourite people and its territory from ill-intended individuals so it can be turned into an outstanding personal and property guardian. This breed has all necessary qualities to become an excellent watchdog.

The Olde English Bulldogge is fairly friendly with other dogs but some of its specimens may have issues with other canines of the same sex. This dog will welcome the opportunity to share its existence with one or several other dogs. Powerful jaw and bite of this breed makes it a deadly adversary for any dog so it should always be kept leashed while being walked. It has average prey drive so this dog commonly gets along with other types of household pets especially if they have been introduced to each other early enough.

Health Problems

The most common problems for the breed include:

· bloat;

· canine hip dysplasia.

Grooming

The Olde English Bulldogge doesn’t need a lot of grooming. Its coat should be brushed only occasionally in order to stay healthy and good-looking. This breed is a heavy slobber and the wrinkles on the dog’s face require regular and thorough cleaning. It’s prone to overeating, which is usually accompanied by bloat so it should never be offered large portion of food in one meal.

Other than that the dogs’ master should trim its nails every other month and regularly brush the dog’s teeth. The Olde English Bulldogge sheds average amount of fur and more frequent brushing will make this process barely noticeable.

Training

The Olde English Bulldogge can be trained with easiness because of its exceptional willingness to please and obedient nature. It commonly learns basic commands with moderate amount of repetitions and responds well to firm but respectful handling. The trainer should become an unshakable authority for this dog otherwise it will occasionally attempt to attain pack leader status and may act aggressively.

Reward-based techniques are the most suitable for the Olde English Bulldogge especially if they involve food incentives. It is worth to mention that screaming or physical abuse are absolutely useless methods of motivation and should never be used.

Exercise

The Olde English Bulldogge should receive average amount of daily exercise to stay in a good shape and happy. The dog should be taken on a long unhurried walk each and every day. Naturally it would appreciate the occasional chance to roam and play in a safely enclosed area. The great advantage of this breed is its adaptability as it will equally thrive in a small apartment and a spacious suburban house.

The Olde English Bulldogge tends to behave calm and relaxed indoors once its exercise needs has been properly met. Be mindful that despite its overall laid-back attitude this dog does requires certain amount of physical activity to feel fully satisfied with its existence.